Claudio Marchisio is under no illusions regarding the task facing Juventus in Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Chelsea.
The Bianconeri currently lie a point behind the reigning champions of Europe and require a win to boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.
And Marchisio, one of the four survivors from the last time Juventus entertained Chelsea in 2009, outlined the strength possessed by the big spending Blues.
Speaking at Juventus Stadium, the 26-year-old said: “We’ve ended up in one of the toughest groups of this year’s Champions League and will be facing the defending European champions. They’ve invested a great deal in the summer and bolstered their squad.
“It’s impossible to single out a player to fear though, the group is their strength and this is precisely what led them to win last season’s trophy. We’ve got great respect for Chelsea, but we’ll do all we can to go through.”
While Chelsea took the opportunity to rest several big names in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to West Brom, Antonio Conte fielded a full-strength side for the visit of Lazio.
But Marchisio is adamant the Bianconeri will be ready to burst out of the traps come the first whistle at Juventus Stadium.
“Tiredness won’t be an issue. Such big games help you find added energy and anyone would want to be involved in them. The most important thing is to maintain the same desire displayed against Norsjaelland, Pescara and Lazio.
“Granted, we didn’t win the last game, but the attitude was spot on. We also hope to step out into a red-hot atmosphere at the stadium, because the help of our public is crucial.”
The midfielder also believes the Bianconeri’s lack of Champions League experience will have no bearing on their attempts to overcome Di Matteo’s Londoners.
He concluded: “Perhaps Chelsea have greater experience as far as the Champions League is concerned, given that we haven’t played in this competition for a few years. However, there are many experienced international players in our squad and we’re prepared. We’re possibly approaching this game at the best possible moment, because we reacted well to the defeat against Inter.”
Source: Juventus.com
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